Eid Al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday marking the end of month-long Ramadan. It is literally translated as the Festival of Fast-Breaking. For uniformity, most Muslims celebrate Eid when the new moon appears in Mecca.
Traditions:
- Traditionally, it is observed during the first three days of the month of Shawwal. On the morning of Eid, Muslims do a ritual called ghusl, wherein they cleanse their body and fit the best dress before morning prayers.
- They greet each other with “Eid Mubarak”, which means “have a blessed Eid”.
- Muslims gather in mosques and outdoor locations for communal prayers before visiting the graves of their loved ones.
- In contrast to the calm and strict observance of fasting during Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with joy and festivities. Muslims believe that after Ramadan their sins are forgiven. Muslim families give donations to the poor, known as Zakat al-Fitr, or charity of fast-breaking.
- Traditionally, food like barley, rice, dates and others are given instead of money.
- Like other religious holidays, celebrating Eid is linked with traditional food best consumed during this day. Desserts like date-filled pastries, butter cookies, fruit cakes and spice cakes, known as Sweet Eid, are usually served.
